The auto industry was the heartbeat of Anderson for decades until about 20 years ago.

"I think it hurt for sure. Real sad. There was nothing going on," said former GM worker Stanley Leeman.

General Motors, Guide and Delco Remy left and in its wake, a slow ripple effect of economic decline.

The retirees were keeping the places open because there really wasn't that much more business," said Leeman.

With a declining population, some houses were abandoned and some schools closed, but the shift didn't destroy the heart and soul of the people.The city has been intentional about reinventing itself and attracting companies like Nestle.

The Nestle plant in Anderson (WTHR)

Anderson Mayor Thomas J. Broderick Jr. said, "We do have a lot of companies coming from internationally here. We have nine different companies represented in our community and we've just reached out to those folks to let them know that this is a good place to do business."

Optimism is more than just a word, it's a feeling, and you can see it at every turn, including road improvements, new apartments, single-family construction and a state-of-the-art, three-story transportation hub.

"The bus terminal will be a mixed-use, from restaurants to a business office," Broderick said.

And in the midst of the mainstay restaurants, the city is experiencing a culinary renaissance.The Burro Loco opened its doors five years ago.

"We take a shot, we try, so far, it's OK," said Javier Jaime, the manager of the Mexican restaurant. "Before we come here, Anderson downtown it was kind of slow down, a little bit too much, so we see a great opportunity to bring business downtown."

The Burro Loco, a Mexican restaurant, opened five years ago in Anderson. (WTHR)

A block away on Meridian Street, the empty storefronts invite more opportunities that are taking off like the bungee studio Arial Fit 2 Fly.

"It made us very nervous thinking is this gonna work. It's kind of a new concept. How are people going to react to this? But if feels great to have clients here," said Co-owner Lindsay Montgomery.

The new still honors the past. The studio is in the former home of Frish's Big Boy.

"It had holes in the concrete floor, there was no drywall," Montgomery said. "There was a drop down ceiling we tore down. We ran about 150 feet of electrical underneath the sidewalk outside. Rewired the whole inside."

"For them (the city) to be able to make funds available and open doors for people is great," Dan Hiles said. He left his position at nearby Nestle two years ago to open the bar and restaurant "Kettle Top" just across the street from the historic Paramount Theater.

"My focus was anytime anyone comes here to see a show at the Paramount, or just comes for somebody's get together, or family reunion, we gotta' have things for them to do, places to go, places to stay and your experience has to be top notch," said Hiles.

And a block away, Hiles just opened the new brewery, "Creatures of Habit" on the other side of Dickmann Park.